MAX and I walked out to his vehicle in silence. We didn’t speak. A line between us had been crossed. I didn’t know what that meant, but it both scared me and thrilled me at the same time.
“The photographer said those were the best photos he’s ever taken.”
Max huffed as he tossed his bag in the back. “I’m glad that I didn’t need to do the shot with the helmet over my junk.”
Funny because I had been excited about that outfit.
We got in and Max started the vehicle. His phone rang. On the dashboard, it said: Lolita calling.
Max grabbed his phone and stepped back out of the vehicle. “Give me a minute.”
What the hell?
Baffled, I watched him, as he stood in front of his SUV and laughed at something Lolita said.
Who was Lolita?
I observed him. He had a gentle smile on his face. His smiles were born from amusement, playfulness or sexual heat. He didn’t give gentle smiles. Why was he smiling a gentle smile? A burning sensation flooded my chest.
Who was she?
Was he dating her?
Why did he get out of the vehicle?
The call lasted three long minutes while terrible questions and thoughts raced through my mind. He climbed back in beside me.
“Do you want me to drop you off at the stadium?”
He wasn’t going to tell me who she was, and worse, it wasn’t any of my business.
I stared out the passenger window. “Sure.”
Was he dating someone? Was he hiding that fact from me? Why hadn’t he wanted me to hear the call? Maybe he had been thinking about her at the photo shot? Maybe she was the one he burned for? Maybe he longed for Lolita?
I tried not to feel defeated. It shouldn’t matter. It wasn’t like he and I would date. I should be happy for him. I should be happy that he had one other person in his corner.
So why did I feel sick to my stomach?
“You’re quiet.” Max interrupted my thoughts.
“I think I’m tired. Early morning.”
“Thanks for coming today.”
“I didn’t do anything.”
“You helped.”
We lapsed into another silence. When he pulled in front of the stadium and I climbed out, I felt his big hand wrap around my wrist.
I glanced over my shoulder at him.
“You okay?”
No. You’re taking private calls from someone named Lolita.
I gave him a short nod before scrambling out. I felt stupid. Why was I torturing myself with this ridiculous crush when it was so obvious that Max wasn’t interested? I vowed to steer clear of him. No matter what it cost me.
THREE WEEKS PASSED, and I had almost perfected avoiding Max. I came to all meetings a few minutes late, slipping in the back and strategically chose a place in the room that was as far away from Max as possible. During our away games, I sat up front with management, getting on the plane after Max boarded and getting off before him.
This meeting was no different. It was a coaching meeting, and I was deliberately running a few minutes late. I walked towards the boardroom when an arm grabbed me, spinning me around.
“Max,” I breathed, avoiding his gaze.
“Haven’t seen you around.”
“I’ve been busy,” I stared at my shoes.
He didn’t speak, so I stole a glance up at him through my lashes.
“You avoiding me?”
Think of Lolita. Lolita.
I shook my head, and gave him a small, fake smile that made my cheeks feel like they would crack. “No, don’t be silly. Come on, we’re going to be late for the meeting.”
He didn’t budge, so I stepped around him and hurried into the meeting. I chose a seat along the side of the room that had no seats nearby.
I sensed him coming into the room, but I forced myself to keep my gaze either on my notes or towards the front of the room, but I could feel him watching me.
Don’t look up. Don’t look up.
My traitorous eyes turned towards him. Blue eyes held mine. Flushing, I ducked over my books.
Think of Lolita.
By some miracle I managed to not glance his way again, but I could feel him watching me for the rest of the meeting. Max was off limits. I knew that, he knew that. I didn’t understand why he kept blasting me with his intensity, but I vowed to keep him at arm’s length. I had spent way too much time thinking about him when he’d already told me that he wasn’t able to have any distractions this year.
Except he seemed to make an exception for Lolita. Every time I felt myself weaken, I reminded myself of his gentle smile when he talked to her.
